DAVENPORT, IOWA (May 10, 2019) — Register now to learn about life, history, and opportunity along the Mississippi River firsthand through River Action’s Channel Cat Talks, Riverine Walks, and Art Along the River. The Summer Education Series kicks off on May 19 with Poetry Along the River Banks at Schwiebert Park. Space is limited, so people are advised to purchase tickets in advance at riveraction.org/education. The series provides Quad City residents and visitors a chance to experience the Mississippi River by taking them to unique sites where they can explore wildlife, history, culture, and more. Each talk covers an aspect of living along the Mississippi from geography and local ecology to cultural/historical factors unique to each site along 30 miles of the river and riverfront in the Quad City region.
River Action offers many new programs for a total of 65 Explore the River Series sessions in 2019. The series runs from May 19 to September 13, 2019. Channel Cat Talks are Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9-10:45 a.m., and cost $14 per person. Riverine Walks are Wednesdays, 6-8:30PM, and Saturdays, 9-10:30AM, and are free to River Action members, $6 for others. Art Along the River is $5 and free to River Action members. It is presented on Sundays, 2-4PM.
Channel Cat Talks participants tour aboard the water taxi while experts narrate. Topics include Sailing, Photography, Hydropower, The Lock and Dams, Local History, the Coast Guard, Raptors, and more! Channel Cat Talks depart from the RiverBend Commons, Moline.
Riverine Walks offer unique experiences along the shores of the Mighty Mississippi. Guided walks, presented by local experts, inform residents and visitors about the environment, culture, and history with an abundance of interactive discussions and activities. Topics include Historic Rock Island Preservation, Barge Fleeting, Sylvan Island recreation, and more! Riverine Walks meet at various sites around the QC area.
Art Along the River, a series of art opportunities where attendees can participate and learn about different art forms will be held one Sunday a month all summer and cover painting, poetry, drumming, and Reader’s Theater. Supplies provided. No prior skill or experience needed.
I-74 Bridge Project, This September, the Project Manager of the I-74 bridge project is giving Eight, two-hour tours for the public to experience the construction from the Channel Cat; All are sold out but there is a waitlist available.
Funding for the series is provided in part by Iowa DNR, Illinois Humanities, Greg and Judy Gackle, the Quad City Times, US Bank, MetroLINK, and Mancomm.
To register for any of the programs, visit riveraction.org/education. For questions, call Philip Tunnicliff at 563-322-2969. Brochures are available at River Action’s office, 822 E River Dr. Davenport, IA.
